The Resident Evil Outbreak Games Need A Comeback!

The Resident Evil Outbreak series, known in Japan as Biohazard Outbreak, is a spinoff of the Resident Evil series consisting of two survival horror games developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation 2.

Capcom released Outbreak in 2003 and File #2 in 2004, respectively. These titles are important because they marked a departure from the traditional Resident Evil formula by introducing online multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to four players to cooperate in escaping scenarios filled with zombies and other bio-organic weapons (BOWs) in and around the fictional city of Raccoon City.

Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)

Setting and Story:

The first game is set in the fictional Raccoon City, concurrent with Resident Evil 2 and 3 events. Players control one of eight characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds, navigating through various scenarios to escape the city amidst the viral outbreak.

The narrative is episodic, with each scenario presenting different challenges and puzzles. The goal is to survive and find a way out while uncovering more about Umbrella Corporation's involvement in the outbreak.

Gameplay:

Unlike previous Resident Evil games, Outbreak emphasizes teamwork and decision-making.

Players can choose characters with different skill sets (e.g., medical proficiency, lockpicking) to complement each other and progress through scenarios.

Each scenario has multiple endings based on player decisions and outcomes, adding replayability.

The game introduced a real-time inventory management system where items take up physical space, and characters can only carry a limited amount.

Online Features:

Resident Evil Outbreak was notable for being one of the first console games to support online multiplayer on the PlayStation 2. Players could connect via the Internet to play cooperatively, strategizing and communicating to survive.

Offline single-player was also an option, with AI-controlled partners. However, you need to partner with "compatible" characters (some of them don't get along with you!). The offline single-player mode is the only official option now, as Capcom shut down the online servers long ago.

Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 (2004)

Setting and Story:

The sequel continues the story in Raccoon City, expanding upon the first game's events. It introduces new characters alongside returning ones from the first title, each with unique abilities and backstories.

File #2 explores new locations and scenarios within the city, providing deeper insights into the outbreak and its consequences.

Gameplay:

Building upon the foundation of the first game, File #2 retains the cooperative multiplayer focus and episodic scenario structure.

New gameplay mechanics and scenarios, such as dynamic NPC interactions and complex puzzles, were introduced. Walk-and-shoot mechanics were a welcomed addition to the game.

Online Features:

Like its predecessor, File #2 supports online multiplayer for up to four players. It improved network stability and added new features to enhance the cooperative experience.

Legacy and Reception

The Outbreak series was praised for its innovative multiplayer approach in a survival horror context, offering a unique blend of cooperative gameplay and traditional Resident Evil elements.

However, it received mixed reviews due to technical limitations, such as camera angles and AI behavior, and the challenging nature of coordinating with human or AI partners.

Despite its cult following and the potential for future installments, the series was discontinued after File #2, possibly due to the declining popularity of the PlayStation 2 and the logistical challenges of online gaming at the time. File #2 didn't sell as many copies as the first game.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Resident Evil Outbreak and its sequel, File #2, represent an experimental phase for the Resident Evil franchise, exploring multiplayer dynamics within the survival horror genre. Fans like me fondly remember them for their cooperative gameplay mechanics and contributions to the series' lore, although they remain relatively niche entries in the broader Resident Evil universe. Many, including myself, wish Capcom would make a proper remake or do an HD port with all previously cut content.

Support Outbreak
Follow @WeWantOutbreak for Resident Evil Outbreak content. For all things Resident Evil, follow @raccooncitynews! I created and managed both accounts. Use the tags #SupportOutbreak and #WeWantOutbreak to show your love and support for the Resident Evil Outbreak games. Add #REFB for extra points.

Did you play the Outbreak games? Leave me a comment below!